The word that Edgewater defensive end Deion Green had committed to UCF has been out there for more than a week. Edgewater coach Bill Gierke even called the rumors "lies" last Saturday (July 31) when asked during a phone call.

But it all came into focus Monday, when the Orlando Edgewater star confirmed his pledge to the Knights.

He said he was very close to orally committing to Rutgers in June. But the more he thought about the once-tantalizing allure of going out-of-state for college the more Green came to realize that staying in Orlando sounded even better.

The 6-3, 215-pound senior becomes the 14th UCF commitment to the Class of 2011 and the fourth player from the Sentinel coverage area to decide to stay close to home and play for the Knights. He is on track to graduate early and plans to enroll in January.

Green, rated No. 1 on the Sentinel's list of Central Florida defensive end prospects, also considered offers from USF, Northwestern and Iowa State.

"At first I thought the thing to do was to leave," Green said Monday. "I was about to pull the trigger on Rutgers, but I just couldn't do it. This is where I was brought up and this is where my support is. I only know Florida. I felt like UCF was very conveniently located, near to my family."

Green, who was born and raised in Orlando, said he has grown familiar with UCF football.

"I've been out to practices. I've been to three or four games at the new stadium. It's just a great atmosphere, something I want to be a part of."